Schuyler County and Putnam County enter conference play coming off playing their toughest games of the season, or in the Rams’ case their three toughest.

PC made the trip to Marceline and stuck with the No. 8 Tigers for the first half, before Marceline’s size and depth took over and sent PC back with a 42-14 loss. Schuyler played Marceline in Week 2 falling 50-0. The Rams got the offense in gear against No. 3 Westran last week even though they remained winless on the season.

“I believe our team is looking at starting conference play as a new season. We haven't played very well at times this year, but we have a great opportunity with the conference season,” said Schuyler County head coach Nick Wooldrick.

New PC coach Dave Cavanah echoed Wooldrick’s feelings.

“When you play with teams that are at the level that Marceline has been at and that Westran now has it makes you better. There is more to it than wins and losses,” said Cavanah.

The one big positive in Schuyler’s loss was that not only did they score some points, but they did so against a top-notch defense, and Zack Schmitter was able to gain over 100 yards.

Running the ball against the Midgets is going to be key again for SC if they want to get into the win column.

“I feel we can run the ball against anyone we play so we will establish the run and try and stay as balanced as we can by throwing it around a little as well,” said Wooldrick.

Normally when you face a conference foe you know what they are going to bring to the table, not so this week as the Midgets are playing their first TRC game under Cavanah, who has put life back into the once proud program.

“It’s always tough to game plan for a program that has a new coach, but we have watched their game tapes and feel we will be prepared for what they like to do,” said Wooldrick.

One thing SC knows is that the Midgets are going to try and run the ball first and foremost. Controlling that aspect of the game is critical, according to Wooldrick.

“They have a big line and some speed in the backfield, so we are going to have to tackle well in space or it could be a long night,” said Wooldrick.

For Putnam, it’s a new week, same goals as the past four weeks.

“We are just looking to sing the same song as always, continue to get better. We have lost three games in a row, but we have continued to get better every game,” said Cavanah.

Page 2 of 2 - One of the challenges that the Rams present to PC is their ability to be balanced on offense.

“They like to run it, but can throw the ball and remain balanced as well. They have some big kids and some good skill players. There are a couple kids who I would say are much better than average so we are going to have to rise to the occasion,” said Cavanah.

This is one of the more even match-ups that come along all season.

“I really believe that this is going to be a good game. No one seems to have a clear advantage going into the game and it should be interesting to see how it plays out,” said Cavanah.

PC will make the trip south and kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in Queen City.